Electromagnetic relay of small size and simple structure with unitary core and yoke member



March 4, 1969 MASAYUKI KUSANO ELECTROMAGNETIC *RELAY OF SMALL SIZE AND SIMPLE STRUCTURE WITH UNITARY CORE'AND YOKE MEMBER Filed Feb. 20, 1967 FIG United States Patent 3,431,521 ELECTROMAGNETIC RELAY OF SMALL SIZE AND SIMPLE STRUCTURE WITH UNITARY CORE AND YOKE MEMBER Masayuki Kusano, Susaka-shi, Japan, assignor to Fujitsu Limited, Kawasaki, Japan, a corporation of Japan Filed Feb. 20, 1967, Ser. No. 617,208 Claims priority, application Japan, Feb. 24, 1966,

41/ 11,179 US. Cl. 335-424 Int. Cl. Hlllf 3/00, 7/08 3 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to an electromagnetic relay. More particularly the invention relates to an electromagnetic relay of small size and simple structure with a unitary core and yoke member.

Most small-sized electromagnetic relays of known type comprise a linearly extending iron core with a toroidal coil Wound on the core. An L-shaped yoke is aflixed to one end of the core and extends toward the other end of the core outside the coil. An armature is mounted at the free end of the yoke and its extending portion operates the resilient or spring contacts of a group of such contacts. This type of relay is complex in structure and is expensive to manufacture, and furthermore has only specific applicability.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved electromagnetic relay of small size. The relay of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of small-sized relays of the prior art and is of small size, is of simple structure, is inexpensive in manufacture, and has general applicability. The component parts of the relay of the present invention are of simple configuration and structure and are readily, facilely and inexpensively manufactured and assembled. Magnetic reluctance in the relay of the present invention is a minimum and magnetic flux is distributed uniformly over the entire magnetic circuit due to the unitary core and yoke member of the relay of the present invention. The relay of the present invention utilizes a single component part as an armature backstop and a support for the entire group of resilient contacts and the armature holding spring. Part of the release spring and part of the armature holding spring are utilized to maintain the terminal plate in position in the relay of the present invention. The relay of the present invention utilizes flange members which are readily and suitably positioned on the core without tools or any kind of aflixing means.

In accordance with the present invention, a relay comprises an electromagnet which comprises a unitary integral core and yoke member of magnetic material of substantially U-shape having a substantially linearly extending core portion. The core portion has an axis, a determined width and a determined axial cross-sectional area. The integral core and yoke member further comprises a pair of spaced substantially parallel identical yoke portions each extending from a corresponding axial end of the core portion substantially perpendicularly with the axis. Each of the yoke portions has a width greater than the determined width and an axial cross-sectional area greater-than the determined axial cross-sectional area. An electrically conductive coil is wound around the core portion of the integral core and yoke member between the yoke portions thereof. A first flange member is mounted on the core portion of the integral core and yoke member adjacent one of the yoke portions and between the one of the yoke portions and the coil. A second flange member is mounted on the core portion of the integral core and yoke member adjacent the other of the yoke portions and between the other of the yoke portions and the coil. The first and second flange members are identical and each comprises a plate of flexible material of substantially U-shaped configuration having a base portion, a pair of spaced substantially parallel side portions extending substantially perpendicularly from the base portion and an additional portion extending from the free end of one of the side portions substantially parallel to the base portion and toward the free end of the other of the side portions and ending short of the other of the side portions to leave a gap between the additional portion and the other of the side portions. The core portion of the integral core and yoke member passes through the area enclosed by the portions of each of the flange members. A support member of substantially L-shaped configuration has a pair of arms at substantially right angles to each other. One of the arms of the support member is affixed to the one of the yoke portions of the integral core and yoke member so that the other of the arms of the support member extends substantially parallel to the core portion of the integral core and yoke member in spaced relation with the coil. A spacer is aflixed to the other of the arms of the support member. The spacer mounts each of a plurality of resilient contacts and holding contacts at one end thereof for free movement at the other end thereof. A release spring is fixedly mounted at one end in the spacer for exerting a force in the area of the electromagnet. An operation card is supported by the release spring at the other end of the release spring and is urged in a direction away from the electromagnet. An armature extends substantially parallel to the core portion of the integral core and yoke member and has one end portion on the one of the yoke portions and an opposite end portion in operative proximity with the other of the yoke portions. The armature has coupling hooks extending substantially perpendicularly from the opposite end portion thereof engaging with and coupled to the operation card so that electrical energization of the electrically conductive coil produces an attractive force in the other of the yoke portions which urges the armature in a direction toward the electromagnet and which overcomes the force exerted by the release spring.

In order that the invention may be readily carried into effect, it will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view partly in section, of an embodiment of the relay of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view taken along the lines II-II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view taken along lines IIIIII of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view taken along the lines IV-IV of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a flange member of the relay of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the coil, the flange members and the yoke members of the relay of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the armature of the relay of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the support member of the relay of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 9 is a side view of the support member, the group of resilient contacts, the support for such contacts, the armature holding spring and the release spring of the relay of the present invention.

In the figures, the same components are indicated by the same reference numerals; all the figures depicting the same embodiment of the relay of the present invention or component parts thereof.

A unitary integrated core and yoke member 1 comprises a unitary core composed of a single plate or body of magnetic material such as iron which is bent at its ends so that it is in substantially U-shaped configuration with a base portion 1a and two side portions 1b and 1c substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the base portion 1a. The base portion 1a functions as the core and side portions 1b and 10 function as the yokes, so that the component part 1 is a single unitary integrated core and yoke member.

The unitary and integral core and yoke member 1 may be formed by bending the ends of a bar-like member to form the U-configuration. The unitary core and yoke member 1 is considerably more advantageous than the heretofore utilized joined separate core and yoke members. Such separate core and yoke members constituted more parts than the novel unitary member of the present invention and required a joining operation which is avoided in the present invention. Furthermore, when the separate core and yoke members were joined, magnetic reluctance was produced and often the end surfaces were not completely coplanar. The unitary core and yoke member 1 of the present invention avoids the production of magnetic reluctance so that such reluctance is reduced to a minimum, reduces the spread of magnetic reluctance and insures uniform distribution of magnetic flux over the entire magnetic circuit, as well as permitting coplanar positioning of the end surfaces of the yokes. Due to the foregoing advantages, as well as the elimination of joints or junctions between the core portion and the yoke portions, the relay of the present invention has a magnetic circuit of excellent and desirable characteristics and efficiency.

A flange member 2a is mounted on the core portion 1a of the unitary core and yoke member 1 adjacent the yoke portion 117 and a flange member 2b is mounted on said core portion adjacent the yoke portion 10. A coil 3 is wound on the base or core portion 1a of the unitary core and yoke member 1. An armature 4, which comprises magnetizable material, rests at one end upon the yoke 117. An aperture 1d is formed through the yoke 1b in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the coil 3.

Since the coil 3 is wound on the core portion 1a of the unitary core and yoke member 1, the axial cross-sectional areas, taken adjacent the end surfaces of the yoke portions perpendicular to the axis of the core portion, may be facilely and readily varied relative to the axial crosssectional area of said core portion, taken perpendicular to the axis of said core portion. If the axial cross-sectional area of the core portion 1a is increased, the magnetic reluctance at the common portions in the yokes may be decreased and may be adjusted. The attraction surface 1} (FIG. 6) of the electromagnet, which is the surface of the yoke 10 facing the armature 4, thus provides an optimum load and attraction characteristic. Furthermore, if the yoke portions 1b and 1c are larger in axial crosssectional area than the core portion 1a, the flanges 2a and 2b may be held in position more tightly.

The flange members 2a and 2b are identical and each comprises a flexible material which is heat resistant to a considerable degree. Each of the flange members 2a (FIG. 5) and 2b comprises a substantially U-shaped configuration of substantially planar configuration with an additional portion 2c extending from the free end of one of the side portions 2d substantially perpendicular to said side portion and substantiall parallel to the base portion 22. The additional portion 20 extends toward the other side portion 2 but stops short of said other side portion, so that there is a gap 2g between said additional portion and said other side portion and the flange member is essentially then in the shape of a closed U or an O with a central space 2h surrounded thereby by the portions of the flange member.

The space 2h surrounded or enclosed by each flange member 2a and 2b is of the same configuration and of slightly greater corresponding dimensions than the axial cross-sectional area of the core portion 1a of the unitary core and yoke member 1. Each of the flange members 2a and 2b is mounted on the core portion 1a by twisting or bending the additional portion 2c out of the plane of said flange member to permit said flange member to be arranged on said core portion, and then either returning said additional portion to its initial coplanar position or permitting said additional portion to spring back to its initial coplanar position.

Since the yoke portions 1b and 1c have greater axial cross-sectional areas than the axial cross-sectional area of the core portion 1a, the flange members 2a and 2b, when mounted on said core portion, are held in position tightly without the use of adhesives or similar affixing means. Furthermore, since the yoke portions 1b and 10 have greater axial cross-sectional areas than that of the core portion 1a, and have width dimensions, substantially perpendicular to the axis of the coil 3 and substantially parallel to the facing surface of the armature 4, which are equal to the corresponding armature dimension, the flux density in the magnetic circuit is uniform. Furthermore, since the attracting surface 1 of the yoke 10 is of greater area than the axial cross-sectional area of the core section 1a, the leakage flux is held to a minimum.

The flange members 2a and 2b are mounted on the core portion 1a in spaced position from each other, with the flange member 2a closely adjacent the yoke portion 1b and with flange member 2b closely adjacent the yoke portion 10. After the flange members 2a and 2b are positioned on the core, the electrically conductive coil 3 is wound on the core portion 1a between said flange members.

A support member '5 of substantially L-shaped configuration (FIG. 8) is affixed at one of its arms to the yoke 1b via the aperture 1d, as hereinafter described. An aperture 16 (FIG. 1) is formed through the yoke 1c in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the coil 3 and functions to receive a projection 6a extending from the inside of a cover 6. The cover 6 houses the relay of the present invention and may comprise any suitable cover material.

The armature 4 (FIG. 7) comprises a substantially planar plate portion 4a with a pair of card hooks 4b and 40 extending in spaced relation to each other substantially perpendicularly from the plane of said plate portion. The card hooks 4b and 4c are identical, each being formed as an inverted J and each extending from a corresponding side of the plate portion 4a. A pair of hinge members 4d and 4e extend from opposite sides of the plate portion 4a in spaced substantially parallel relation to each other from the opposite end of said plate portion to that from which the card hooks 4b and 40 extend. The hinge members 4d and 4e are identical and extend at an angle of between 60 and with the plane of the plate portion 4a in the opposite direction from that in which the card hooks 4b and 40 extend. Each of the hinge members 4d and 4e is of substantially I-shaped configuration.

The hinge members 40? and 4a of the armature 4 prevent slippage of said armature and function to hold said armature for rotation about the surface 1g (FIG. 6) of the yoke 1b as a pivot area, so that when said armature is either attracted to or moved away from the attracting surface 1 (FIG. 6) of the yoke 10, itrotates about said surface 1g, or, more particularly, about the outer edge of the surface 1g. The card hooks 4b and 4c of the armature 4 engage and are coupled with an operation card 7 (FIGS. 1 and 3) comprising electrical insulating material of substantially planar configuration having a plurality of apertures or windows 7a, 7b and 70 (FIG. 3) formed therethrough. At its lower edge, the operation card 7 comprises a pair of projections 7d (FIG. 1) extending from opposite sides of said card and engaging the undersides, such as 4 (FIG. 7), of the hook portions of the card hooks 4b and 40, as shown in FIG. 1.

The coupling between the extending portions 7d of the operation card 7 and the hook underside portions such as 4 of the card hooks 4b and 4c enables said operation card to support the armature 4 when the electromagnet is deenergized and enables said armature to move said operation: card toward said electromagnet when said electromagnet is energized and attracts said armature. Due to the fact that the armature 4 and the operation card 7 are coupled to each other in hanging or abutting relationship, and not by an adhesive or afiixing means, they are, to some extent, freely 'movable, so that sliding or slipping is reduced. The portions 7e and 7 of the operation card 7, bordering the windows 7a, 7b and 70 thereof, are of liftoff type and are formed and dimensioned to high precision tolerance, so that their operation, in the manner hereinafter described, is precise. In fact, the operation card 7 functions as a lift-01f type card. The operation card 7 has a projection 7g formed therein and extending into the window 7a from the upper edge thereof.

A group of resilient contacts 8 (FIG. 9) is mounted on and supported by the support member 5. For each of the components of the group of resilient contacts 8 shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, a plurality of additional similar components extend-s substantially parallel therewith and perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The group of resilient contacts 8 comprises a plurality of holding contacts 9a and a plurality of holding contacts 9b, a plurality of resilient contacts 11:: and a plurality of resilient contacts 11b in cooperative relation with the holding contacts 9a, a plurality of resilient contacts 12a and a plurality of resilient contacts 12b in cooperative relation with the holding contacts 9b. Included with the group of resilient contacts is an armature holding spring 13. The resilient contacts and springs of the group of resilient contacts 8 are mounted at one end of each in a suitable manner in spaced, cooperating relation in a spacer 15 of electrical insulating material. A holder plate 16 is positioned on the spacer 15.

The group of resilient contacts '8 is firmly affixed to the support member 5 either via a bolt 17 which passes through an aperture 5a formed through the portion 5b of the arm 50 (FIG. 8) of said support member and threadedly coupled to an internally threaded aperture (not shown in the FIGS.) of the spacer 15 or via another bolt herinafter described. The support member 5 comprises a second arm 5d extending at substantially right angles to the plane of the first arm 5c. An aperture Se is formed through the arm 5d of the support member 5. The arm 5c functions as a backstop for the armature 4. That is, the armature 4 abuts the arm 50 of the support member 5 after said armature is moved a determined distance away from the electromagnet. The support member 5 is firmly affixed to the yoke portion 1b of. the unitary core and yoke member 1 via a bolt 18 which passes through the aperture 5e through the arm 5d and is coupled in threaded engagement in the aperture 1d of said yoke. The support member 5 includes a pair of projections 5 and 5g which extend from opposite sides of the arm 50 thereof in the area of the portion 5b thereof. The projections 51 and 5g extend through corresponding apertures formed through the housing cover 6 (FIG. 2) and function to prevent movement of said cover on the relay.

The resilient contacts of the group of resilient contacts 8 may be variously arranged, as desired, in dependence upon the .use or purpose of the relay. In the illustrated embodiment of the relay of the present invention, and more specifically, as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 9, the resilient contacts are indicated as a pair of a plurality of resilient contacts 11a and 11b and another pair of a plurality of resilient contacts 12a and 12b, as aforedescr'ibed. Each of the pairs of resilient contacts forms a switch with the corresponding holding contacts 9a and 9b, respectively. Each of the holding contacts 9a and 9b is positioned between the resilient contacts of the corresponding pair of pluralities of resilient contacts 11a and 11b, and 12a and 12b.

Each resilient contact of the plurality of resilient contacts 11a, the plurality of resilient contacts 11b, the plurality of resilient contacts 12a and the plurality of resilient contacts 12b, as well as each of the plurality of holding contacts 9a and each of the plurality of holding contacts 9b, has an electrical contact at its end on the surface facing the corresponding holding contact or resilient contact, as the case maybe. Thus, in the illustrations of FIGS. 1 and 9, the resilient contact 11a has an electrical contact at its end on the surface thereof facing the holding contact 9a, the resilient contact 11]; has an electrical contact 11d at its end on the surface facing the holding contact 9a, and the holding contact 9a has an electrical contact 90 at its end on its surface facing the resilient contact 11a and an electrical contact 9d at its end on the surface facing the resilient contact 11b. The resilient contact 12a has an electrical contact at its end on the surface facing the holding contact 9b, the resilient contact 12b has an electrical contact 12d at its end on its surface facing the holding contact 9b and the holding contact 9b has an electrical contact 9e at its end on the surface facing the resilient contact 12a and an electrical contact 9 at its end on its surface facing the resilient contact 12b.

In operation, the resilient contacts extend through the corresponding windows of the operation card 7 at their ends opposite the ends which are mounted in the spacer 15, so that said resilient contacts are moved by movement of said operation card. The operation card 7 thus moves the resilient contacts in a manner whereby various ones thereof are moved into electrical contact between the electrical contacts on said resilient contacts and those on the corresponding holding contacts. Each of the resilient contacts is formed with a pair of prongs extending coplanarly in parallel relation and in the direction of the stem thereof, each of said prongs functioning as a resilient contact, in the aforedescribed manner. The holding contacts are not long enough to reach the operation card 7, and therefore remain stationary and unaffected by movement of said card. The holding contacts are, however, long enough so that their electrical contacts are in operative proximity with the corresponding electrical contacts of the cooperating resilient contacts. Outside electrical connections may be readily made to any of the resilient contacts and the holding contacts at their ends at which they are mounted in the spacer 15.

Each of the resilient contacts such as, for example, the resilient contacts 11a and the resilient contacts 11b, do not extend in a single plane, but are, rather, bent to form a side sectional view angle which is between and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, so'that their ends 'bearing the electrical contacts thereof are bent toward the corresponding holding contacts such as, for example, the holding contacts 9a. Each of the resilient contacts is sufiicicntly stiff so that it functions properly by moving as desired and by maintaining or breaking electrical con tact when desired. A release spring 19 is mounted in the spacer 15 between said spacer and the holder plate 16 (FIGS. 1 and 9) at one end of said release spring and extends through the window 7a of the operation card 7 at its other end. The release spring 19 is inclined at an angle of between 20 and 50 with the holding contacts (FIG. 9) with its free end extending away from the free ends of the resilient contacts and the holding contacts. The release spring 19 constantly urges the operation card 7, and therefore the armature 4, in a direction away from the electromagnet, so that when said electromagnet is deenergized, the release spring maintains the armature spaced from said electromagnet. The aforementioned projection 7g of the operation card 7 extends through an aperture 19a (FIG. 2) formed through the release spring 19 to insure proper cooperation between said release spring and said operation card.

The armature 4 rests on the surfaces 1g and 1 of the yokes 1b and 1c, respectively, of the integral core and yoke member 1 when the electromagnet is energized. The length dimension of the arm 50 and the length dimension of the arm 5d of the sup-port member 5 determine the extent of the stroke of the armature 4. That is, since the arm 5c of the support member 5 functions as a backstop for the armature 4, in the aforementioned manner, the position of said arm determines the extent to which said armature moves when it is urged away from the yoke of the electromagnet by the release spring 19. The holder plate 16 is affixed to the spacer via a bolt 21 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 9). The bolt 21 may extend, if desired, through the entire spacer 15 and may be utilized to firmly afiix the group of resilient contacts 8 to the support member 5, in which case the end 17 of said bolt (FIG. 9) passes through the aperture 50 formed through the portion 5b of said support member.

The armature holding spring 13 comprises a portion 13a which extends at an angle of between 90 and 140 with the main portion of said spring. The portion 13a of the armature holding spring 13 abouts the armature 4 at its edge from which the hinge members 4d and 4e extend (FIG. 1) and exerts sutficient :pressure upon said armature to maintain said armature in position so that it pivots about the outside edge of the surface 1g of the yoke 1b when it is moved.

When the electromagnet is deenergized, the release spring 19 moves the operation card 7 away from the surface lf of the yoke 10, thereby moving the armature 4 away from the surface 1 until said armature abuts the arm 50 of the support member 5. The resilient contacts 11a and 12a are moved with the operation card 7 away from the surface 1f so that their electrical contacts are moved out of electrical contact with the corresponding electrical contacts of the holding contacts 9a and 9b, respectively. The resilient contacts 11b and 12b are held with their electrical contacts in electrical contact with the corresponding electrical contacts of the holding contacts 9a and 9b, respectively.

When the electromagnet is energized, by the supply of electrical current to the coil 3, the armature 4 is attracted against the force of the release spring 19, to the surface 1 of the yoke 1c until it abuts said surface. The armature 4 moves the operation card 7 with it as it moves toward the yoke 1c. The operation card 7 then moves the resilient contacts 11a and 12a so that their electrical contacts are in electrical contact with the corresponding electrical contacts of the holding contacts 9a and 9b, respectively, and the electrical contacts of the resilient contacts 11b and 12b are moved out of electrical contact with the corresponding electrical contacts of the holding contacts 9a and 911, respectively.

The positions of the ends of the resilient contacts and the holding contacts to which external electrical connections may be made must be maintained with accuracy, since the group of resilient contacts 8 is positioned with said ends, at which they are mounted in the spacer 15, inserted into a prearranged terminal board in order to facilitate external electrical connections thereto. A terminal board 22 (FIGS. 1 and 4) is thus positioned across the open end of the cover 6 to close said cover and thereby seal the relay therein. A plurality of apertures such as, for example, apertures 22a and 2211 (FIG. 4), are formed through the-terminal board 22 to accommodate the ends of the resilient contacts and the holding contacts.

The terminal board 22 is held in position, with the ends of the resilient contacts and the holding contacts extending through the corresponding apertures of said terminal board, and wiih said terminal board in abutment with the head of the bolt 18 and in abutment with the end surface 160 of the holder plate 16, by portions of the armature holding spring 13 and the release spring 19. An end 1911 (FIGS. 1 and 9) of the release spring 19, at which said release spring is mounted in the spacer 15, is bent at right angles to the main portion thereof after said end passes through the aperture 220 formed through the terminal board 22 and serves to hold said terminal board in posi'ion. An end 13b (FIGS. 1 and 9) of the armature holding spring 13 extends through an aperture 22d formed through the terminal board 22 and is bent at right angles to the major portion of said armature holding spring and also functions to hold said terminal board in position.

A power supply terminal 23 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but not shown in FIG. 4) is affixed to the terminal board 22 by any suitable means and provides an electrical terminal for connection to an external source of electrical power for energizing the coil 3 of the electromagnet. The coil 3 is electrically connected to the power supply terminal 23 via any suitable electrical connecting and conducting device 24 (FIG. 1).

The relay of the present invention is completely enclosed by and housed in the cover or housing 6. As hereinbefore described, the projections Si and 5g of the support member 5 extend through corresponding apertures formed through the housing or cover 6 (FIG. 2) and prevent movement of said cover in directions parallel to the axis of the coil 3. The projection 6a extending from the inside of the cover 6 fits into the aperture 16 of the yoke 1c and prevents movement of said cover in directions perpendicular to the axis of the coil 3.

The dimensions of the various windows formed through the operation card 7, through which the electrical contact ends of the resilient contacts extend, are precisely dimensioned in order to provide desirable connection and disconnection of the electrical contacts of said resilient contacts and of the holding contacts, in accordance with predetermined patterns. The angle between the arms 5c and 5d of the support member 5 may be varied by bending one of said arms relative to the other, so that instead of a angle being formed between said arms, said angle may be greater or less than 90. In this manner, the range or extent of movement or operation of the armature 4 may be varied. Although the arm 50 of the support member 5 is illustrated in FIG. 8 as comprising a substantially square toroid, said arm may be of solid plate configuration or may comprise two spaced parallel portions forming a substantially U-shaped configuration with a base portion from which the projections 5 and 5g extend. In the latter case, bending of the portions of the arm 50 would be facilitated.

While the invention has been described by means of a specific example and in a specific embodiment, I do not wish to be limited thereto, for obvious modifications will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. In a relay, an electromagnet comprising a unitary integral core and yoke member of magnetic material of substantially U-shape having a substantially linearly ex tending core portion having an axis, a determined width and a determined axial cross-sectional area, and a pair of spaced substantially parallel identical yoke portions each extending from a corresponding axial end of said core portion substantially perpendicularly with said axis, each of said yoke portions having a width greater than said determined width and an axial cross-sectional area greater than said determined axial cross-sectional area;

an electrically conductive coil wound around the core portion of said integral core and yoke member between the yoke portions thereof;

a first flange member mounted on the core portion of said integral core and yoke member adjacent one of said yoke portions and between said one of said yoke portions and said coil;

a second flange member mounted on the core portion of said integral core and yoke member adjacent the other of said yoke portions and between said other of said yoke portions and said coil, said first and second flange members being identical and each comprising a plate of flexible material of substantially U-shaped configuration having a base portion, a pair of spaced substantially parallel side portions extending substantially perpendicularly from said base portion and an additional portion extending from the free end of one of said side portions substantially parallel to said base portion toward the free end of the other of said side portions and ending short of said other of said side portions to leave a gap between said additional portion and said other of said side portions, sai-d core portion of said integral core and yoke member passing through the area enclosed by the portions of each of said flange members;

a release spring fixedly mounted for exerting a force in the area of sai-d electromagnet;

an operation card supported by said release spring and urged in a direction away from said electromagnet;

an armature extending substantially parallel to the core portion of said integral core and yoke member and having one end portion on one of said yoke portions and an opposite end portion in operative proximity with the other of said yoke portions, said armature having coupling means at the opposite end portion thereof engaging with and coupled to said operation card;

a support member of substantially L-shaped configuration having a pair of arms at substantially right angles to each other;

means affixing one of the arms of said support member to one of the yoke portions of said integral core and yoke member so that the other of said arms of said support member extends substantially parallel to the core portion of said integral core and yoke member in spaced relation with said coil;

a plurality of resilient contacts and holding contacts;

spacer means mounting each of said resilient contacts and holding contacts at one end thereof for free movement at the other end thereof; and

means aflixing said spacer means to said other of said arms of said support member.

2. In a relay as claimed in claim 1, wherein said release Spring is fixedly mounted at one end in said spacer for exerting a force in the area of said electromagnet, said operation card is supported by said release spring at the other end of said release spring, the coupling means of said armature comprises a hook extending substantially perpendicularly from the opposite end portion of said armature, and electrical energization of said electrically conductive coil produces an attractive force in said other of said yoke portions which urges armature in a direction toward said electromagnet and which overcomes the force exerted by said release spring.

3. In a relay as claimed in claim 1, further comprising cover means housing said relay, said cover means including a terminal board having apertures formed therethrough for accommodating said resilient contacts at said one end of each, said one end of each of said resilient contacts extending through a corresponding one of said apertures, said terminal board having an aperture formed therethrough, said one end of said release spring extending through said aperture and being bent on the side of said terminal board outside said cover means to maintain said terminal board in position, said support member further comprising projections extending into said apertures to prevent movement of said cover means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,529,375 11/1950 Clement 335-124 2,917,598 12/1959 Foster 335-124 2,924,684 2/1960 Claesson 335-129 3,138,678 6/1964 Raab 335-281 3,142,735 7/1964 Diciolla 335-124 3,256,401 6/1966 Dawson 335-129 BERNARD A. GILHEANY, Primary Examiner.

HAROLD BROOME, Assistant Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 

